ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research Development Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

advansix

R&D Engineer / Scientist

Chester, VA

Lead cross-functional teams across R&D, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, and Commercial organizations . * Mentor and develop scientists and engineers in polymer science and process technology ...

advansix

R&D Engineer / Scientist

Chester, VA

Lead cross-functional teams across R&D, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, and Commercial organizations . * Mentor and develop scientists and engineers in polymer science and process technology ...

AdvanSix

R&D Engineer / Scientist

Chester, VA · On-site

Lead cross-functional teams across R&D, Process Engineering, Manufacturing, and Commercial organizations . * Mentor and develop scientists and engineers in polymer science and process technology ...

Nwis

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA · On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

Nightwing is seeking a highly skilled Windows Vulnerability Research (VR) Engineer to support advanced research, development, and exploitation efforts on Windows platforms. The ideal candidate will ...

Nightwing

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA · On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

Nightwing is seeking a highly skilled Windows Vulnerability Research (VR) Engineer to support advanced research, development, and exploitation efforts on Windows platforms. The ideal candidate will ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsResearch Development Engineer JobsResearch Development Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Research Development Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$19.8K

$95.7K

$149.7K

How much do research development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development engineer in Virginia is $95,743.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Development Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and experimental design, typically supported by at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, data analysis tools, prototyping equipment, and sometimes certifications like Six Sigma or PMP can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, creativity, and effective collaboration and communication skills help set top performers apart. These skills are crucial for innovating, efficiently developing new products or processes, and ensuring successful project outcomes in dynamic R&D environments.

What is a Research Development Engineer?

A Research Development Engineer is a professional who combines engineering principles with research skills to design, develop, and improve products, processes, or technologies. They often work in research and development (R&D) departments, collaborating with scientists and engineers to turn innovative ideas into practical solutions. Their responsibilities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, prototyping, and overseeing product testing. Research Development Engineers play a crucial role in driving innovation and keeping companies competitive in their industries.

What is the difference between Research Development Engineer vs Product Development Engineer?

AspectResearch Development EngineerProduct Development Engineer
Primary FocusInnovating and developing new technologies or materialsDesigning and improving existing products for market readiness
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D centersDesign labs, manufacturing facilities
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, manufacturingConsumer electronics, automotive, industrial products

Research Development Engineers focus on creating new technologies and conducting experiments, while Product Development Engineers work on transforming these innovations into market-ready products. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate, but their core objectives differ: innovation versus product realization.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Development Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Research Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative research with practical product development, managing project timelines with evolving requirements, and effectively communicating findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Overcoming these challenges typically involves strong project management skills, a collaborative approach with cross-functional teams, and ongoing professional development to stay updated with new technologies. Building clear documentation and maintaining open lines of communication within the team can also help ensure project objectives are met efficiently.
What are popular job titles related to Research Development Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Research Development Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Research Development Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Research Development Engineer job openings:
Research Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,743 per year, or $46 per hour.

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Zetier

Arlington, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Zetier seeks Software Development Engineers in Test (SDET) to design, build, and maintain scalable automated testing capabilities for embedded hardware, cyber platforms, and operational software systems. This role focuses on developing robust test infrastructure, improving product reliability, and enabling continuous validation across hardware and software solutions. Candidates will develop automated validation frameworks, integrate testing into CI/CD pipelines, and support verification activities spanning low-level firmware, networking systems, and mission-driven software capabilities. Work includes functional, integration, regression, and hardware-in-the-loop testing aligned with quality, operational effectiveness, and compliance objectives.

Required:

  • 5+ years experience in software development or test engineering
  • Strong programming experience in Python, C/C++, and/or Rust
  • Experience deploying automated test frameworks (e.g. pytest, Robot)
  • Experience testing embedded or Linux-based systems platforms
  • Hands-on experience integrating testing into CI/CD pipelines
  • Familiar debugging complex HW/SW system interactions
  • Comfortable writing clear technical documentation (e.g. test reports)
  • Strong communication skills across engineering and customer teams
  • Active U.S. security clearance

Desired:

  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and device automation
  • Experience testing embedded systems, networking devices, or mobile
  • Experience with containerization (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, QEMU)
  • Familiar with network/protocol validation (e.g. Wireshark, Scapy)
  • Experience with RF or wireless systems (e.g. 802.11ac, Zigbee, SDR)
  • Experience testing firmware, drivers, and low-level code/services
  • Exposure to cybersecurity, vulnerability research, or pentest teams
  • Experience with observability, telemetry, or reliability engineering


Positions available in Arlington, VA.

Zetier is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by law. All employment is decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business need.

Apply